09 Jan Georges-Kevin Nkoudou completes loan move to Burnley

Winger Georges-Kevin Nkoudou has joined Burnley from Tottenham on a loan for the remainder of the campaign.

The 22-year-old is yet to make a Premier League start under Mauricio Pochettino this term and Spurs see a move to Turf Moor as beneficial for him to gain first-team experience.

Sean Dyche’s side, who are only two places below Tottenham in the league table, have been chasing a winger after seeing their options in that area depleted last month when Republic of Ireland international Robbie Brady underwent knee surgery.

Nkoudou revealed it was advice from ex-Burnley defender and Tottenham team-mate Kieran Trippier that helped sway him over a move to east Lancashire.

“When I spoke with Trippier he told me good things about this club, about the players and everything about Burnley,” he told Clarets Player HD. “I am happy to be here, so thank you, Trippier! I think it’s a big opportunity to play my first minutes this season in the Premier League.

“Everyone is shocked because Burnley is just after the big six. They have played very well. I watched the last game against Liverpool when they played very well and were unlucky. That’s why I have come here, to find football.

“I knew (Dyche) is a big manager who likes young players and players who go forward, so it suits my character to come here and I am happy to work with him.

“I hope to help the club. If I can, I will. But the last word is with the manager. If he puts me on the pitch I will do everything to help the team go forward. I am ready to play and waiting on the starting blocks. If the manager puts me on the pitch I will to everything on the pitch.”

There is no option for Burnley to buy the player included in the deal. Nkoudou could make his debut against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Dyche has instilled a disciplined defensive unit at Burnley, with a high-intensity work ethic, qualities Tottenham will hope rub off on Nkoudou, who is yet to show some of the grittier attributes Pochettino demands.

Instead, Nkoudou’s opportunities have largely been restricted to domestic cups and appearances off the bench since he joined Spurs from Marseille in August 2016.

Georges-Kevin Nkoudou has struggled for opportunities at Tottenham (John Walton/Empics)

The Frenchman capped an encouraging display with a goal against Apoel Nicosia in the Champions League last month but the tie was a dead rubber as his side had already secured first place in the group.

Erik Lamela’s return from injury had also pushed Nkoudou even further down the pecking order.

Tottenham are expected to bring Lamela into their 25-man squad for the Champions League knock-out stages next month and – given their allocation for non-homegrown players was full – Nkoudou was the player most likely to make way.